AT STRATFORD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160641, 3 May 1920, Page 11

AT STRATFORD.

STRATFORD, May 3. •“-She Prince was accorded a great welcome at Stratford. Ho was presented ndth a loyal address and an album of views typical of the district. Ait the Prince’s request the people were admitted to the railway plalfoim. The Royal train departed amid wild enthusiasm.

THE RENOWN LEAVES FOR

WELLINGTON,

(Per United Frees Association) AUCKLAND, May 3. The Renown left for Wellington at 7 o’clock this morning.

TAUMARUNUI’S WELCOME.

HA WEE A, May 4. After the Royal train left Te Kuiti clouds began to settle down and the moon, which earlier in the evening had been shining brightly, now became a watery blot in the eastern sky. At various small stations the train slower! down, so that as it passed, the school children collected on the plat* ■ : ffirms might give the Prince a cheer. Tsumarunui was’ reached at 9.20, and in spite of the late hour and short notice, the people not having had notice of the actual time of the Prince’s arrival, the demonstration was one that did the place great credit. A special stand had been erected outside the station and a covered passage led to this, the whole erection being decoratoci. with ferns, nikau and other greenery, with flags and red and white and blue drapings. Between 700 and 800 school children, some from the smaller schools the district, were drawn up in front of the stand. and behind these, on three sides, were probably 1500 adults. As the Prince appeared the band struck no "God Save the King.” His Royal Highness walked down between two ranks of returned soldiers lining the covered way to the main stand. On arrival there the Mayor (Mr Stedman) was presented and then various other leading local ladies and gentlemen were introduced, after which the returned soldiers filed by and shook hands with the Prince. The assemblage sang "God Bless the Prince of Wales,” and the party returned to the train. The crowd now took up strategic positions on the platform, and as the train moved out, cheered the Prince to the echo, Drizzling rain had , now begun to fall, but fortunately had held off long enough to allow the demonstration to he got through without serious hindrance. Here again the English travellers had before their eyes a wonderful example pf progressive character ol New Zealand in this Rohe Potae, or King Country, which half a century ago had not been by white man's foot, where all amenities of civilisation were to be found. The Prince, apparently, had this in mind when replying to addresses presented by residents, wishing them continued success and prosperity. The Mayor’s little daughter handed the Prince a bouquet, and a leading v Afaoti chieftaness came forward with jm ' Bjat. which she presented to His Highness. The Prince’s final act here, as in Te Kuiti, was to ask that the children might be given a special holiday from school in remembrance of his visit.

TAUMAPTJXUI TO PATEA. From Tanmarunni onward the journey was pursued without incident, everyone settling down to get what sleep possible. Rain fell during a great part of the night and when daylight showed Patea was in sight. It. was pathetic to observe the efforts of the citizens to decorate their station had been spoiled. Glad rags looked bedraggled, hut no doubt by the time the train returns in the afternoon this will have been changed, and Patea will give the Prince as cheery and bright a welcome as any other town.